The Real Thing

They were complete strangers searching for the same thing - solitude. But thanks to a matchmaking friend, Deirdre Joyce and Neil Hersey found themselves stranded on an island off the coast of Maine. Forced to coexist, they discovered there was no escaping the inevitable - irresistible attraction. The idea of living alone again was unimaginable, and so a marriage of "convenience" seemed like the perfect solution - he would run her family's company, and she would pursue her career.

This was a sweet, funny, light romance tale of 2 burnt-up confused people being set-up by a friend who arranged for them both to 'rest' at a deserted island hideaway but neither one knew the other will be there and the fun and frolics begin.

If you're into light entertaining listens then you can't go wrong with this one.

Feeling Hot

It's been a rough month for Navy SEAL Cash McCoy. Fresh off six months of celibacy during his deployment, he almost got into a hot blonde's panties before they were interrupted. Since then he still hasn't gotten laid. The reason? He lost her number. And no other woman has replaced her face in his fantasies. Then his CO asks him to keep an eye on his sister for a few weeks. Just until her psycho-stalker ex is transferred.

This is the first book I've listened to by Elle Kennedy and I was so impressed I've just downloaded the other two books that's currently available in this series. A series that has sexy horny Navy SEALs, hot sex and the trouble they get into when they find the right woman.

This book was funny, sassy, scorching and romantic with a little angst thrown in as drool-worthy Cash has to watch over Jen for three weeks but their sizzling chemistry soon boils over and, by day two, it has them taking things to the next level.... and beyond. Unfortunately, neither of them wanted anything more than a fling but spending so much time together, getting to know each other, learning each other's flaws, growing in confidence because of each other, and even trying a ménage, made them soon realise that their relationship was just too perfect to throw away.

Told from dual POV's by a great narrator, this book made you really feel the camaraderie between the Team as you share in their witty banter and join in a family party, it had great secondary characters, there was a bit of drama from a jilted boyfriend/stalker and a bitter-sweet sub plot. However, the main lighthearted love story between Cash and Jen was just so sweet, tender, sexy, funny and romantic that it'll leave you with a grin on your face and that feel good feeling.

Worth a credit? An easy-going book full of sexy six pack wielding Navy SEALs, plenty of hot n heavy (including M/F/M & a bit of M/M action) and a captivating romantic plot certainly ticked all my boxes and has me hoping Audible will get the other missing books in the Out Of Uniform series because this is book 7 and I SO need to hear the rest of them!! Very creditworthy..... and if you're in the mood for a very hot light listen with loveable characters that you really connect to then I'm sure you'll think so too.

Addicted: Ethan Frost, Book 2

Ethan Frost is everything a woman could want in a man. He's rich, gorgeous, powerful, and one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. But that's not why I'm with him. I love Ethan for all the things no one else gets to see: his innate kindness, his reckless spontaneity, his unwavering determination to use his brilliance for good. I love the way he looks at me, the way he touches me, the way he makes me forget the wreckage of my past and the twisted fear that still lives inside me.

Well, it's one shock after another with this listen as Ethan's involvement in Chloe's past comes back to haunt him and causes further hurt, mind blowing devastation and jaw dropping twists. There's so much pain over betrayal, anguish over forgiveness, joy over reuniting, hot sex over their raw feelings and then crashing despair over a final bitter truth.

Ethan and Chloe have an obsessive, overwhelming and all consuming love for each other (as well as a hot sexual relationship) but secrets that are kept back means that can these two ever learn to trust again. There's once again a roller coaster of pain, heartache, unity, tender touching words, followed by words of betrayal and shame but always there's words of love.... but sometimes the wound cuts too deep to heal.... and then words are not enough.

Worth a credit? Oh, this is so expertly written as the joy, pain and raw emotions are felt by the listener and, once again, this is told from Chloe's POV (except the Epilogue) and the narration was great. It is a happy ending, no cliffhanger, but the story will continue in Exposed (due May) when we get to hear how Ethan exacts his revenge. This drama filled listen was a very addictive, a just one more chapter listen and YES very worthy of a credit or buy.

Ruined: Ethan Frost, Book 1

Ethan Frost is a visionary, a genius, every woman's deepest, darkest fantasy- e ven mine. And, somehow, I am his. He stole into my life like a dream. He turned my reality upside down and made my every desire come true - especially those I never knew I had. He demanded everything I had to give and gave me everything of himself in return. But dreams don't last forever, and ours is no exception - because my nightmares are darker and my wounds deeper than I could ever reveal.

Ethan Frost is a rich, handsome, sexy Entrepreneur owning Frost Industries and whilst he's working in the restaurant of the building unsuspecting Law Intern Chloe starts a battle of wills argument with him over a Smoothie. It's her first day and she's no idea who this stubborn surfer looking dude is but won't back down..... and their connections made. What happens after that is a funny struggle over a Blender that has witty banter laced with sexual chemistry and it's the start of an emotional roller coaster of a love story.... so hold on tight.

But it's not long until Chloe's insecurities, broken pieces and deep emotional scars over her heartbreaking past kicks in however Ethan's there ready to catch her, hold her through it all and help her to overcome the toxic feelings going around in her head. He is loving, understanding, sweet, tender and very passionate as their relationship eases into sex.... tentative sex, hot n heavy frantic sex and mind blowing loving sex. And in his loving arms slowly Chloe starts to heal by sharing some of her bitter heartbreaking tortuous past..... until that past comes knocking on Ethan's door and then their gently woven world comes crashing down on them leaving devastation, tears, heartbreak and two broken hearts in its wake. That and one hell of a cliffhanger.

Worth a credit? This very addictive, funny, touching, sexy, heartbreaking and hot listen told from Chloe's POV is very well narrated and is definitely worth a credit or a buy. The awesome writing style enables you to visualise each scene as it unfolds. But it does contain talk of rape and its aftermath.

Tyler's Undoing: A Gloves Off Novel, Book 1

For the past couple of years, Tyler Rushing has been known as one of the UFC's most memorable and sexy heavyweight fighters. Now he has the chance to win the title and claim the fame he so deserves. He has everything he could ever want until Kacey Andrews walks through the door of his gym, wanting nothing to do with him. Keeping his eyes off of her is a challenge; there's an innocence about her that draws him to her, and he's not going to stop until he makes her his.

Tyler's a handsome, fit and sexy MMA Fighter happy with where he's at in life - he's just won another fight, he's getting ready for the 'big' fight and he has a different girl each night - ahhh life was good. However, when he spots a new girl in his Father's Gym he's drawn to her but the blonde beauty brushes him off so he's intrigued, aroused and the challenge is on. Kacey wants nothing to do with any arrogant womanising Fighters they're all the same, they're like her badass Brother and his friends. She doesn't want to be just another 'conquest' but slowly Tyler proves that he's different with her and he grows up, mends his wicked ways and Kacey starts to trust him. But should HE trust Kacey because she's holding back a terrible secret.... one that will cause hurt, pain and the devastation of their new relationship.

Arrrgh, why do they hold back secrets until it's too late, well duh I know the answer is to add drama but it's just so frustrating to keep thinking "tell him now", "oh this is a good time", "quick tell him before it's too late" and then the inevitable "oh shit, see I told you to tell him". So yes, there's plenty of angst and drama provided by the secret, jealousies, an ex girlfriend and the Brother and his evil friends from Hell. But there's also some nice characters, some great twists, a loss, danger and a sweet love story that's got lots of hot sexy scenes and tender words.

Worth a credit? A very enjoyable listen told from dual POV's by a good narrator so YES if you're looking for a hot MMA listen with a sexy hero and a confused heroine who brings out his caring side then you too will find this listen worth a credit.

Exquisite Trouble: Iron Horse MC, Book 1

Before I met Smoke, I'd never been kissed - really kissed - by a man, let alone a biker sex god bent on taking my virginity and my heart. I got dragged into the deadly world of the Iron Horse MC by my crazy twin sister, who is engaged to the club's president, and my even crazier mom, who cares only about herself. Smoke has been assigned by the club to keep me safe even though he's everything of which I should be afraid.

When Smoke is told to secretly watch Storm by the President of the Iron Horse MC he becomes obsessed by her so by the time they finally meet the tattooed, pierced, hot as hell and very Alpha Sargent At Arms is already half in love with her. But it's when Storm is kidnapped and then her life is threatened by the Russia's that Smoke's protective caring side kicks in, he doesn't want to let her out of his sight and is desperate to keep her safe. Then jealousy and possessiveness is added to his feelings so when he realises Storm has a painful reaction when being touched by some people he's all too happy to tell everyone to back off from HIS property.

Storm's a no nonsense waitress, a never really been kissed virgin with 'issues', she's had an unusual tough upbringing and she's been sheltered which makes her mild natured but when riled up she speaks her mind and isn't afraid to kicks ass. Her world comes crashing down after she's kidnapped and, when rescued, she's told her twin sister and Mother are missing, the Russians are after them all and that she is now under the protection of the Iron Horse MC.... and in particular the leather clad Biker sex God called Smoke.

Sparks fly, tension builds, the mystery thickens, clues are unearthed which leads to more questions, the plot twists and all the time Smoke is claiming Storm and introducing her to the pleasures of some hot sex (which includes toys, talk of BDSM and more). A grab you from the start new MC listen with it's interesting colorful members and the plot's building which will hopefully become an explosive MUST HAVE second book. Because this is a 'to be continued' listen, not quite a cliffhanger, but just as annoying.

Worth a credit? I thought this was an action-packed, addictive, just one more chapter listen, mainly told from Storm's POV but there are a few chapters from Smoke's POV too. With a romance that builds sweetly, a mysterious plot that's nicely unfurling, and a loveable H/H who are drooling for each other but what makes this a great listen is the dual narration. Because the male narrator says the male voices and the female narrates the female voices and this, in my opinion, is when dual narrators really work well and Andy Ross' deep voice was so smouldering and sexy. Definitely worth a credit or a buy.

The Billionaire and the Virgin: Billionaires and Bridesmaids, Book 1

Waitress Marjorie Ivarsson is the picture of naiveté. Raised by her grandmother, she'd rather go to bingo than go dancing. But when she's asked to be a bridesmaid in her friend Bronte's destination wedding, she finds herself venturing into new and exciting territory. The wedding is set on the billionaire groom's private island, and Marjorie is fascinated by all the new people she meets. Most fascinating of all is the man she saves from almost drowning in the blue waters of the island lagoon.

Nice easy-going contemporary romance with a little angst. Powerful bad boy Billionaire who has a reputation for 'nail n bail' is suddenly rescued by an angel..... one he can't stop thinking/lusting/romancing over. His angel is a shy, sweet, timid virgin who gets out of her depth with him fast. But he's holding back big secrets that he knows will totally destroy their relationship and it's only a matter of time before the cat's out of the bag and the shit's hitting the fan.

It's a predictable but enjoyable listen told from both POV's there's romance, passion, humor, sex, f bombs, drama, character growth, a dilemma and a heartfelt HEA but, for me, the narration was a bit too 'girlie' which made the heroine sound like a teenager.

Worth a credit? If you're in the mood for a light romance then look no further and YES creditworthy. This series follows on from the Billionaire Boys Club as there are all the characters from that series attending the wedding but it's absolutely not necessary to listen to those first.... it's just nice to catch up with them.

Midnight Conquest: Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles, Book 1

Stewart Glen, Scotland – 1514. Masked in a Gypsy guise, Broderick MacDougal hides his vampiric identity while seeking to destroy the man who slaughtered his family. When an old Clan rival ensnares Broderick in a trap using an enticing widow, he is compelled to discover if she is bait or an accomplice, and the cinnamon-haired beauty is his next conquest. Widow of an abusive husband, Davina Stewart-Russell clings to the only image that gave her strength during those dark times - the Gypsy rogue who stole her heart as a youth. After nine years, she is finally face-to-face with him again, but reality clashes with fantasy as she is confronted with Broderick's passionate pursuit.

This book should have worked for me.... handsome kilt wearing Scottish Vampire, a narrator who really did accents well including Spanish and French and a plot that was entertaining. But it just didn't WOW me and I wasn't desperately drawn back to the listen unlike other books. The characters were all interesting with a couple of villains but the sex scenes were very tame and I didn't really feel the chemistry between Broderick and Davina.

Worth a credit? Yes it was enjoyable enough but I don't think I'll be carrying on with this series. It also says this is Abridged which may account for some unanswered questions but it sounded like the full length version to me and I wouldn't have wanted it to have carried on for longer.

Thief

Caleb Drake never got over his first love. Not when he got married. Not when she got married. When life suddenly comes full circle, Caleb must decide how far he is willing to go to get the aloof and alluring Olivia Kaspen back. But for every action in life there is a consequence, and soon Caleb finds out that sometimes love comes at an unbearably high price.

I've had a dilemma with this trilogy right from the start... it's very well written with it's intricate web of lies, secrets and manipulations and it's many twists and shocking revelations which are so well done. However, I don't want to be depressed all the way through a listen especially this final one - even the ending and Epilogue was sad and I felt cheated. But, I don't want to put any of you off that can handle or enjoy this type of book by giving it a low star rating..... it's just me.... I prefer a lighter listen.

Now we get to hear the story from Caleb's POV - again told in many flashbacks then back to the present day with it's continuation of the heartbreaking story of two people who are soul mates and deeply obsessively in love with each other. But reluctance or circumstances are never in their favor to be in the right place in their lives to stay together..... until finally it takes a terrible tragedy to bring them together. There's plenty of drama, buckets of heartache, twists, lies, revelations, one slight sex scene and some very moving tender words.

Worth a credit? Purely for my tastes NO but if you like an emotional, dark and twisted love story then this is certainly for you.

Dirty Red

Leah Smith finally has everything she has ever wanted. Except she doesn't. Her marriage feels more like a loan than a lifelong commitment, and the image she has worked so hard to build is fraying before her eyes. With a new role and a past full of secrets, Leah must decide how far she is willing to go to keep what she has stolen.

The same story plus more told from Leah's perspective in constant flashbacks and then back to the brutal reality of what price her lies, secrets and manipulation is having on her marriage to Caleb. Never showing him her true selfish nature which is only revealed after the birth of their daughter. And Caleb is forever torn between the decisions he made, the actions he took, the present situation and the love he can't ever forget.

More shocking twists, revelations and spite filled words but Caleb's longing for Olivia has never ceased and is only getting worse and how far will he go to reclaim his lost love and the other half of his soul. I guess I'll find out in book 3 because there's no HEA in this tragic tale.

Worth a credit? It's very well written but, for me, it's too much of a tragedy, I wish I hadn't started this Trilogy so NO but I've already downloaded book 3 so I'll see it through to the bitter end.

The Opportunist

Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend Caleb Drake has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back.

This is an emotional train wreck of a love story which alternates in flashbacks to College years when Caleb and Olivia first meet and the cold aloof persona Olivia takes when being pursued by Caleb. This is due to her nightmare upbringing which has left her with 'issues' that not even Caleb can overcome. And also their Class differences - a handsome rich Jock and a poor uptight Virgin. It's constantly flashing forward/back in time telling a story of obsessive love and the lengths and depths Olivia and Leah (his present day girlfriend) sink to in order to keep Caleb.

The only person I felt truly sorry for was Caleb as there was always someone pulling his strings with secrets, lies, manipulation and hidden agendas all of her own. Both girls/women were 'me me me' bitches until the end when one of them finally grew a conscience, made the ultimate sacrifice and walked away..... for love. And then it turns out Caleb too had lied.

The story spans years, is full of angst, twists and regrets and I felt so angry, sad and bad for the lost opportunities that Olivia and Caleb had squandered with the naïveté of youth, pride, jealousy, anger, hurt feelings or just bad timings. They fought instead of neutered, struck out instead of hugged and withheld instead of shared. There's no real passion, or romance, or sex but longing looks and the sense of their soul deep connection...... until the end when the selfless sacrifice was made too late.

Told from Olivia's POV by a fairly good narrator.

Worth a credit? Mmmm that's a difficult question, it's an enjoyable but frustrating YA/NA romance that goes on to become a vicious poisonous web of lies and deceit by all parties as they mature and grow and I'll have to download the remaining books to find the elusive HEA. I gave it 4 stars because it was well written, unpredictable and somehow addictive, but it didn't give me, or leave me, with that feel good feeling.... it was a tragedy. So you decide - are you in the mood for Romeo and Juliet?

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